Dennehy signs extension to stay at Merrimack

PR Wire Report

Merrimack coach Mark Dennehy (photo: Merrimack College Athletics)

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. -- Merrimack College hockey coach Mark Dennehy (Dorchester, Mass.) has inked a contract extension that will keep him as the Warriors' head coach through the 2018-19 season, the school announced Friday.

“This contract extension underscores Merrimack’s commitment to Mark and his leadership. Mark led his team to national prominence with a culture of integrity and principle. He embodies the values of the College and serves as a role model for all students,“ said Merrimack president Christopher E. Hopey. “I am pleased to have Mark continue as head coach and remain an integral part of the Merrimack community.”

In his sixth year as head coach at Merrimack, Dennehy guided the Warriors to their first-ever Hockey East championship appearance, a Division 1 school record 25 wins and their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1988.

Under Dennehy's guidance, the crowds returned to a renovated Lawler Arena, as Merrimack sold out 10 of its 16 home games, while posting a 13-2-1 home record, the best in Hockey East for the second straight season.

Off the ice, Dennehy's squad is a finalist for the highest male team GPA and had ten student-athletes named to the Hockey East All-Academic team after recording a 3.0 GPA or higher.

"Mark has done a tremendous job with the hockey program, and we're happy he will be leading our program for the foreseeable future," said athletic director Glenn Hofmann, who is in his third year at Merrimack. "His team has excelled on the ice and in the classroom, helped to build pride amongst Merrimack alumni and distinguished themselves on campus and in the community. These are just some of the reasons Coach Dennehy is highly sought after, and we are thrilled he will continue to be part of the Merrimack family."

Dennehy was the 2009-10 Co-Hockey East Coach of the Year and was the 2010 and 2011 All-New England Coach of the Year.

“I am humbled and my family is truly grateful for the support and trust that Dr. Hopey and Glenn Hofmann have continued to show in me and the hockey program,” said Dennehy. “Merrimack is a unique and special place in which hockey is truly a part of the fabric of the College. The excitement and momentum that not only the hockey program has established, but just as importantly is present throughout the entire college community makes this a place that I want to stay at for the rest of my career.”